Article of footwear

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear includes an upper defining a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the article of footwear. The article of footwear further includes a sole structure coupled with the upper, the sole structure comprising a midsole defining a v-shaped notch; an outsole coupled with a bottom surface of the midsole, and a plate that is disposed between the midsole and the upper. The plate is coupled with the midsole in the forefoot region and the heel region, and a gap is formed between the plate and the midsole in the midfoot region, and at least one sole aperture is disposed within the sole structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear with breathability and stability structures, including an article of footwear having an upper comprising multi-layered mesh material, and a sole structure that includes breathability structures and stability structures that include a heel plate, a v-shaped outsole, and a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plate.

2. Description of the Background

Many conventional shoes or other articles of footwear generally comprise an upper and a sole attached to a lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes further include an internal space, i.e., a void or cavity, which is created by interior surfaces of the upper and sole, that receives a foot of a user before securing the shoe to the foot. The sole is attached to a lower surface or boundary of the upper and is positioned between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is being worn. In some instances, the sole may include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The outsole may provide traction to a bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole may be attached to an inner surface of the outsole, and may provide cushioning or added stability to the sole. For example, a sole may include a particular foam material that may increase stability at one or more desired locations along the sole, or a foam material that may reduce stress or impact energy on the foot or leg when a user is running, walking, or engaged in another activity.

The upper generally extends upward from the sole and defines an interior cavity that completely or partially encases a foot. In most cases, the upper extends over instep and toe regions of the foot, and across medial and lateral sides thereof. Many articles of footwear may also include a tongue that extends across the instep region to bridge a gap between edges of medial and lateral sides of the upper, which define an opening into the cavity. The tongue may also be disposed below a lacing system and between medial and lateral sides of the upper, to allow for adjustment of shoe tightness. The tongue may further be manipulable by a user to permit entry or exit of a foot from the internal space or cavity. In addition, the lacing system may allow a user to adjust certain dimensions of the upper or the sole, thereby allowing the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot types having varying sizes and shapes.

The upper may comprise a wide variety of materials, which may be chosen based on one or more intended uses of the shoe. The upper may also include portions comprising varying materials specific to a particular area of the upper. For example, added stability may be desirable at a front of the upper or adjacent a heel region so as to provide a higher degree of resistance or rigidity. In contrast, other portions of a shoe may include a soft woven textile to provide an area with stretch-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, or moisture-wicking properties.

However, while many currently-available shoes have varying features related to the above-noted properties, many shoes have sole structures that suffer from a lack of breathability, as many shoes include unitary sole structures made from Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or a similar type of material, and such midsoles typically do not include breathable properties. Still further, many athletic shoes, especially running shoes, lack added support structures to aid in stability while running or engaging in strenuous athletic activities.

Therefore, articles of footwear having features that aid in the breathability and stability along both the upper and sole structure thereof are desired. These and other deficiencies with the prior art are outlined in the following disclosure.

SUMMARY

A number of advantages of the articles of footwear described herein will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art. For example, the various components that comprise the sole can allow for a reduction of weight throughout, which, for running shoes can be a significant benefit. Further, the inclusion of a sole plate within the sole structure described herein can provide a spring-like or trampoline effect, which may provide added benefits to runners that traverse certain types of running surfaces. Still further, the inclusion of a gap underneath the sole plate can enhance the trampoline effect and allow a runner to harness and release more energy while running, which can aid in propelling the runner forward. The various elements and combination of elements within the articles of footwear described herein add varying athletic benefits to the shoe, such as stiffening, spring-like effects, or pronation support.

An article of footwear, as described herein, may have various configurations. The article of footwear may have an upper defining a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The article of footwear further includes a sole structure coupled with the upper, the sole structure comprising a midsole defining a v-shaped notch, an outsole coupled with a bottom surface of the midsole, and a plate that is disposed between the midsole and the upper. The plate is coupled with the midsole in the forefoot region and the heel region, and a gap is formed between the plate and the midsole in the midfoot region. At least one sole aperture is disposed within the sole structure.

In some embodiments, the sole aperture extends through the midsole, the outsole, and the plate. In some embodiments, the article of footwear further includes a mesh disposed over the sole aperture. In some embodiments, the at least one sole aperture comprises a first sole aperture, a second sole aperture, and a third sole aperture. In some embodiments, the first sole aperture is disposed within a forefoot region, the second sole aperture is disposed within a midfoot region, and the third sole aperture is disposed within a heel region. In some embodiments, the plate is relatively thicker within a midfoot region than in a forefoot region thereof. In some embodiments, at least one plate aperture within the plate further defines the at least one sole aperture. In some embodiments, the article of footwear further includes a heel cup disposed at a heel end of the article of footwear.

In some embodiments, an article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure coupled with the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole, an outsole coupled with a bottom surface of the midsole, and a plate that is disposed between the midsole and the upper. The plate defines a first plate aperture and a second plate aperture.

In some embodiments, the first plate aperture aligns with a first sole aperture, and the second plate aperture aligns with a second sole aperture. In some embodiments, the first sole aperture and the second sole aperture define channels that allow air to flow from an underside of the article of footwear to a foot cavity within the upper. In some embodiments, a gap is formed between the plate and the midsole. In some embodiments, the gap defines a v-shaped notch within the midsole. In some embodiments, the first plate aperture is one of a first plurality of apertures, which are separated by a plurality of first support bars. In some embodiments, the plate comprises TPU.

In some embodiments, an article of footwear includes an upper defining a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The article of footwear further includes a sole structure coupled with the upper, the sole structure comprising a midsole, an outsole coupled with a surface of the midsole, and a plate that is disposed between the midsole and the upper. The plate is coupled with the midsole and a gap is formed between the plate and the midsole. A first sole aperture and a second sole aperture define air channels through the midsole, the outsole, and the plate.

In some embodiments, the plate is thicker within the midfoot region than within the forefoot region. In some embodiments, the article of footwear includes a heel cup disposed at a heel end of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the heel cup defines lateral and medial legs that are connected with a heel cup arm. In some embodiments, the lateral and medial legs are further connected with a heel bar, which defines a heel cup aperture with the heel cup arm.

Other aspects of the articles of footwear described herein, including features and advantages thereof, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the figures and detailed description herein. Therefore, all such aspects of the articles of footwear are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear configured as a shoe that includes an upper and a sole structure that include properties that allow for enhanced stability and breathability, as discussed herein;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a lateral side view of the shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a medial side view of the shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the shoe of FIG. 1, with an upper removed and a user's skeletal foot structure overlaid thereon;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the shoe of FIG. 1 with an upper having been removed to better illustrate a heel cup of the sole structure;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the shoe of FIG. 1 showing ventilating structures along portions of the sole structure;

FIG. 10 is a detail view of a heel end of the shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the shoe of FIG. 1 with an insole having been removed to show a ventilating structure;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the sole structure of the shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a medial side view of the sole structure of the shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a lateral side view of the sole structure of the shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the sole structure of the shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the sole structure of the shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken through line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken through line 18-18 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken through line 19-19 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken through line 20-20 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken through line 21-21 of FIG. 16; and

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken through line 22-22 of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of a shoe having an upper and a sole structure. Although embodiments are disclosed with reference to a sports shoe, such as a running shoe, tennis shoe, basketball shoe, etc., concepts associated with embodiments of the shoe may be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes and cleats, walking shoes, and track cleats, for example. Concepts of the shoe may also be applied to articles of footwear that are considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels.

The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variations in the numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used for articles of footwear or other articles of manufacture that may include embodiments of the disclosure herein; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or mixtures or carry out the methods; and the like. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to a range of values±5% of the numeric value that the term precedes.

The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear or specific components of the article of footwear, such as an upper or a sole or sole structure. The upper may comprise a knitted component, a woven textile, a non-woven textile, leather, mesh, suede, or a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials. The knitted component may be made by knitting of yarn, the woven textile by weaving of yarn, and the non-woven textile by manufacture of a unitary non-woven web. Knitted textiles include textiles formed by way of warp knitting, weft knitting, flat knitting, circular knitting, or other suitable knitting operations. The knit textile may have a plain knit structure, a mesh knit structure, or a rib knit structure, for example. Woven textiles include, but are not limited to, textiles formed by way of any of the numerous weave forms, such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobbin weave, jacquard weave, double weaves, or double cloth weaves, for example. Non-woven textiles include textiles made by air-laid or spun-laid methods, for example. The upper may comprise a variety of materials, such as a first yarn, a second yarn, or a third yarn, which may have varying properties or varying visual characteristics.

FIGS. 1-6 depict an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear configured as a shoe 40 including an upper 42 and a sole structure 44. As will be further discussed herein, the upper 42 is attached to the sole structure 44 and together with the sole structure 44 defines an interior cavity 46 (see FIGS. 6 and 17-22) into which a foot of a user may be inserted. For reference, the article of footwear 40 defines a forefoot region 50, a midfoot region 52, and a heel region 54 (see FIG. 7). The forefoot region 50 generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 40 that encase portions of the foot that include the toes, the ball of the foot, and joints connecting the metatarsals with the toes or phalanges. The midfoot region 52 is proximate and adjoining the forefoot region 50, and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 40 that encase the arch of a foot, along with the bridge of a foot. The heel region 54 is proximate and adjoining the midfoot region 52 and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear 40 that encase rear portions of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus bone, the ankle, or the Achilles tendon.

While only a single shoe 40 is depicted, i.e., a shoe that is worn on a left foot of a user, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein are applicable to a pair of shoes (not shown), which includes a left shoe and a right shoe that may be sized and shaped to receive a left foot and a right foot of a user, respectively. For ease of disclosure, a single shoe will be referenced to describe aspects of the disclosure. The disclosure below with reference to the article of footwear 40 is applicable to both a left shoe and a right shoe. However, in some embodiments there may be differences between a left shoe and a right shoe other than the left/right configuration. Further, in some embodiments, a left shoe may include one or more additional elements that a right shoe does not include, or vice versa.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-6, the upper 42 is shown disposed above and coupled with the sole structure 44. The upper 42 could be formed conventionally from multiple elements, e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, or synthetic leather, which are joined through bonding or stitching at a seam. In some embodiments, the upper 42 of the article of footwear 40 is formed from a knitted structure or knitted components. In various embodiments, a knitted component may incorporate various types of yarn that may provide different properties to an upper. For example, an upper mesh layer may be warp knit, while a mesh backing layer may comprise a circular knit.

In some embodiments, various layers of the upper 42 are heat pressed together so as to bond the various layers of the upper 42. For example, layers that comprise the upper 42 can be heat pressed together all at once and at a single temperature. The upper 42 is further attached to a strobel board 56 (see FIG. 6) by strobel stitching 58 (see FIG. 11). During manufacturing of the upper 42, locating pins (not shown) may be used that align with various holes (not shown) within the upper 42. In some embodiments, various layers of the upper 42 may be waterproof or semi-waterproof, and may include a plurality of layers of mesh or other materials. The materials that comprise the upper 42 may include an inner mesh layer, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film, and an outer mesh layer. In some embodiments. a TPU skin may be applied along the outer surface of the upper.

With reference to the material(s) that comprise the upper 42, the specific properties that a particular type of yarn will impart to an area of a knitted component may at least partially depend upon the materials that form the various filaments and fibers of the yarn. For example, cotton may provide a soft effect, biodegradability, or a natural aesthetic to a knitted material. Elastane and stretch polyester may each provide a knitted component with a desired elasticity and recovery. Rayon may provide a high luster and moisture absorbent material, wool may provide a material with an increased moisture absorbance, nylon may be a durable material that is abrasion-resistant, and polyester may provide a hydrophobic, durable material.

Other aspects of a knitted component may also be varied to affect the properties of the knitted component and provide desired attributes. For example, a yarn forming a knitted component may include monofilament yarn or multifilament yarn, or the yarn may include filaments that are each formed of two or more different materials. In addition, a knitted component may be formed using a particular knitting process to impart an area of a knitted component with particular properties. Accordingly, both the materials forming the yarn and other aspects of the yarn may be selected to impart a variety of properties to particular areas of the upper 42.

In some embodiments, an elasticity of a knit structure may be measured based on comparing a width or length of the knit structure in a first, non-stretched state to a width or length of the knit structure in a second, stretched state after the knit structure has a force applied to the knit structure in a lateral direction.

In some embodiments, the upper 42 may include additional structural elements, or additional structural elements may surround or be coupled to the upper 42. For example, and referring to FIG. 3, a heel cup 60 is provided at a heel end 62 within the heel region 54 of the shoe 40 to provide added support to a heel of a user. In some instances, other elements, e.g., plastic material, logos, trademarks, etc., may also be applied and fixed to an exterior surface using glue or a thermoforming process. In some embodiments, the properties associated with an upper, e.g., a stitch type, a yarn type, or characteristics associated with different stitch types or yarn types, such as elasticity, aesthetic appearance, thickness, air permeability, or scuff-resistance, may be varied.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-6, the article of footwear 40 also includes a tightening system 64 that includes a lace 66, a plurality of looped eyelets 68, and plurality of bands or lacing straps 70. The lace 66 extends through the plurality of looped eyelets 68. The lace 66 further extends through the lacing straps 70, which are disposed along a tongue 72. In some embodiments, the lacing straps 70 may be elastic bands. The tightening system 64 may allow a user to modify dimensions of the upper 42, e.g., to tighten or loosen portions of the upper 42, around a foot as desired by the wearer. The tightening system 64 may also include a band (not shown) that runs along a center of the upper 42 and includes one or more loops through which the lace 66 may be guided. In other embodiments, the tightening system 64 may be a hook-and-loop fastening system, such as Velcro®. For example, in some embodiments, the tightening system 64 may include one or more hook-and-loop fastening straps. In further embodiments, the tightening system 64 may be another laceless fastening system known in the art. In still further embodiments, the tightening system 64 may include a different manual lacing system or an automatic lacing system, such as the lacing system described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/392,470, filed on Apr. 23, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the article of footwear 40 also defines a lateral side 76 and a medial side 78, the lateral side 76 being shown in FIG. 4 and the medial side 78 being shown in FIG. 5. The lace 66 extends from the lateral side 76 to the medial side. When a user is wearing the shoes, the lateral side 76 corresponds with an outside-facing portion of the article of footwear 40 while the medial side 78 corresponds with an inside-facing portion of the article of footwear 40. As such, a left shoe and a right shoe have opposing lateral sides and medial sides, such that the medial sides are closest to one another when a user is wearing the shoes, while the lateral sides are defined as the sides that are farthest from one another while the shoes are being worn. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the medial side 78 and the lateral side 76 adjoin one another at opposing, distal ends of the article of footwear 40.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper 42 extends along the lateral side 76 and the medial side 78, and across the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, and the heel region 54 to house and enclose a foot of a user. When fully assembled, the upper 42 also includes an interior surface 80 and an exterior surface 82. The interior surface 80 faces inward and generally defines the interior cavity 46, and the exterior surface 82 of the upper 42 faces outward and generally defines an outer perimeter or boundary of the upper 42. The interior surface 80 and the exterior surface 82 may comprise portions of the upper layers disclosed above. The upper 42 also includes an opening 84 that is at least partially located in the heel region 54 of the article of footwear 40, that provides access to the interior cavity 46 (see, e.g., FIG. 6) and through which a foot may be inserted and removed. In some embodiments, the upper 42 may also include an instep area 86 that extends from the opening 84 in the heel region 54 over an area corresponding to an instep of a foot to an area adjacent the forefoot region 50. The instep area 86 may comprise an area similar to where the tongue 72 of the present embodiment is disposed. In some embodiments, the upper 42 does not include the tongue 72, i.e., the upper 42 is tongueless.

Referring in particular to FIG. 7, the medial side 78 and the lateral side 76 adjoin one another along a longitudinal central plane or axis 90 of the article of footwear 40. As will be further discussed herein, the longitudinal central plane or axis 90 may demarcate a central, intermediate axis between the medial side 78 and the lateral side 76 of the article of footwear 40. Put differently, the longitudinal plane or axis 90 may extend between the heel end 62 of the article of footwear 40 and a toe end 92 of the article of footwear 40 and may continuously define a middle of an insole 94, the sole structure 44, or the upper 42 of the article of footwear 40, i.e., the longitudinal plane or axis 90 may be a straight axis extending through the heel end 62 of the heel region 54 to the toe end 92 of the forefoot region 50.

The forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, the heel region 54, the medial side 78, and the lateral side 76 are intended to define boundaries or areas of the article of footwear 40. To that end, the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, the heel region 54, the medial side 78, and the lateral side 76 generally characterize sections of the article of footwear 40. Certain aspects of the disclosure may refer to portions or elements that are coextensive with one or more of the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, the heel region 54, the medial side 78, or the lateral side 76. Further, both the upper 42 and the sole structure 44 may be characterized as having portions within the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, the heel region 54, or along the medial side 78 or the lateral side 76. Therefore, the upper 42 and the sole structure 44, or individual portions of the upper 42 and the sole structure 44, may include portions thereof that are disposed within the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, the heel region 54, or along the medial side 78 or the lateral side 76.

Still referring to FIG. 7, the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, the heel region 54, the medial side 78, and the lateral side 76 are shown in detail. The forefoot region 50 extends from the toe end 92 to a widest portion 96 of the article of footwear 40. The widest portion 94 is defined or measured along a first line 98 that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis 90 that extends from a distal portion of the toe end 92 to a distal portion of a heel end 62, which is opposite the toe end 92. The midfoot region 52 extends from the widest portion 96 to a thinnest portion 100 of the article of footwear 40. The thinnest portion 100 of the article of footwear 40 is defined as the thinnest portion of the article of footwear 40 measured along a second line 102 that is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis 90. The heel region 54 extends from the thinnest portion 100 to the heel end 62 of the article of footwear 40.

It should be understood that numerous modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description, and individual components thereof, may be incorporated into numerous articles of footwear. Accordingly, aspects of the article of footwear 40 and components thereof, may be described with reference to general areas or portions of the article of footwear 40, with an understanding the boundaries of the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, the heel region 54, the medial side 78, or the lateral side 76 as described herein may vary between articles of footwear. However, aspects of the article of footwear 40 and individual components thereof, may also be described with reference to exact areas or portions of the article of footwear 40 and the scope of the appended claims herein may incorporate the limitations associated with these boundaries of the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, the heel region 54, the medial side 78, or the lateral side 76 discussed herein.

Still referring to FIG. 7, the medial side 78 begins at the distal toe end 92 and bows outward along the forefoot region 50 toward the midfoot region 52. At the first line 98, the medial side 78 bows inward, toward the central, longitudinal axis 90. The medial side 78 extends from the first line 98, i.e., the widest portion 96, toward the second line 102, i.e., the thinnest portion 100, entering into the midfoot region 52 upon crossing the first line 98. After reaching the second line 102, the medial side 78 bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis 90, at which point the medial side 78 extends into the heel region 54, i.e., upon crossing the second line 102. The medial side 78 then bows outward and then inward toward the heel end 62, and terminates at a point where the medial side 78 meets the longitudinal, center axis 90.

Still referring to FIG. 7, the lateral side 76 also begins at the distal toe end 92 and bows outward along the forefoot region 50 toward the midfoot region 52. The lateral side 76 reaches the first line 98, at which point the lateral side 76 bows inward, toward the longitudinal, central axis 90. The lateral side 76 extends from the first line 98, i.e., the widest portion 96, toward the second line 102, i.e., the thinnest portion 100, entering into the midfoot region 52 upon crossing the first line 98. After reaching the second line 102, the lateral side 76 bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis 90, at which point the lateral side 76 extends into the heel region 54, i.e., upon crossing the second line 102. The lateral side 76 then bows outward and then inward toward the heel end 62, and terminates at a point where the lateral side 76 meets the longitudinal, center axis 90.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the sole structure 44 includes an outsole or outsole region 106, a midsole or midsole region 108, a sole plate 110, and the heel cup 60. In some embodiments, the sole structure 44 includes the insole 94, however, in the depicted embodiments, the insole 94 is a separate element that is inserted into the foot cavity 46 (see FIG. 11). The outsole 106, the midsole 108, and the insole 94, or any components thereof, may include portions within the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, or the heel region 54. Further, the outsole 106, the midsole 108, and the insole 94, or any components thereof, may include portions on the lateral side 76 or the medial side 78. The outsole 106, the midsole 108, the plate 110, and the heel cup 60 are attached to one another via an adhesive (not shown). The upper 42 is further attached to the sole plate 110 via adhesive.

Still referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper 42 extends upwardly from the sole structure 44 and defines the interior cavity 46 that receives and secures a foot of a user. The upper 42 and the sole structure 44 may be defined by a foot region 114 and an ankle region 116. In general, the foot region 114 extends upwardly from the sole structure 44 and through the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, and portions of the heel region 54. The ankle region 116 is primarily located in the heel region 54; however, in some embodiments, the ankle region 116 may partially extend into the midfoot region 52.

In some instances, the outsole may be defined as a portion of the sole structure that at least partially contacts an exterior surface, e.g., the ground, when the article of footwear is worn. The insole may be defined as a portion of the sole structure that at least partially contacts a user's foot when the article of footwear is worn. Finally, the midsole may be defined as at least a portion of the sole structure that extends between and connects the outsole region with the insole region.

In some embodiments, a sole structure can include one or more sole apertures that extend through the sole structure. For example, referring now to FIG. 9, a plurality of sole apertures 120 are shown, which extend from a bottom side 122 of the sole structure 44 through to a top side 124 thereof (see FIGS. 17-22). The plurality of sole apertures 120 may provide flow paths for movement of air through the sole structure and may be referred to as breathability enhancement structures or breathability mechanisms. In different embodiments, more or fewer sole apertures 120 may be provided along the sole 44. Further, while the present embodiment includes sole apertures 120 within the forefoot region 50, the midfoot region 52, and the heel region 54, more or fewer sole apertures 120 may be included within each of the regions 50, 52, 54. The inclusion of the sole apertures 120 may aid in reducing the overall weight of sole structure 44, which may provide added benefits to a wearer of the shoe 40.

The plurality of sole apertures 120 include a first or forefoot sole aperture 126, a second or midfoot sole aperture 128, and a third or heel sole aperture 130. The first sole aperture 126 is disposed within the forefoot region 50, the second sole aperture 128 is disposed within the midfoot region 52, and the third sole aperture 130 is disposed within the heel region 54 of the sole 44. Each of the sole apertures 120 is generally triangular in shape, although the sole apertures 120 have varying sizes and orientations. The first sole aperture 126 is the smallest of the plurality of sole apertures 120, and defines a first aperture sidewall 132 that extends from a bottom side 134 of the midsole 108 to a top side 136 thereof (see FIG. 12). The second sole aperture 128 is larger than the first sole aperture 126, but smaller than the third sole aperture 130, and also defines a second aperture sidewall 138 that extends from the bottom side 134 of the midsole 108 to the top side 136 thereof (see FIG. 12). The third sole aperture 130 is the largest of the plurality of sole apertures 120, and defines a third aperture sidewall 140 that extends from the bottom side 134 of the midsole 108 to the top side 136 thereof. In some embodiments, a largest or a smallest of a plurality of sole apertures may be differently located than is shown for the sole apertures 120.

While the present embodiment includes triangularly shaped sole apertures 120, varying shapes, such as circles, squares, rectangles, hexagons, octagons, or other types of polygonal shapes are contemplated. Further, the aperture sidewalls 132, 138, 140 each comprise three distinct walls that intersect at rounded and tapered corners; however, depending on the shape of the sole apertures 120, more or fewer walls may define the aperture sidewalls 132, 138, 140. Still further, the present embodiment includes aperture sidewalls 132, 138, 140 that taper inwardly from the bottom side 134 of the midsole 108 to the top side 136 thereof, but in some embodiments the aperture sidewalls 132, 138, 140 may taper outwardly, may taper inwardly, or may extend vertically from the bottom side 134 to the top side 136 of the midsole 108. To that end, in the present embodiment a cross sectional area taken through each of the apertures 126, 128, 130 becomes smaller moving from the bottom side 134 of the midsole 108 to the top side 136 of the midsole 108.

Still referring to FIG. 9, portions of a sole plate 110 (see also FIG. 12), which may comprise TPU, are visible through the plurality of apertures 120. More specifically, portions of the plate 110 define peripheral support members 144, which are visible when looking at the bottom side 134 of the midsole 108 through the plurality of apertures 120. The peripheral support members 144 may comprise portions of the plate 110 that are thicker or more rigid than other portions of the plate 110. The plate 110 further comprises support beams 146, which extend across some of the apertures 120. The support beams 146 are linear or straight in the present embodiment. The second sole aperture 128 includes only one of the support beams 146, while the third sole aperture 130 includes two of the support beams 146. In some embodiments, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more support beams 146 extend across one or more of the sole apertures 120. In some embodiments, the support beams 146 need not be linear, and may comprise varying geometries. The support beams 146 provide additional stability and rigidity to the areas of the sole 44 comprising the apertures 126, 128, 130. In some embodiments, the support beams 146 are unitary with the plate 110; however, in some embodiments, the support beams 146 may comprise additional elements that are not connected with the plate 110.

A mesh layer 150 is further illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, which is disposed above the plate 110. The mesh layer 150 allows air to flow into the upper 42, as discussed in greater detail below.

The mechanism for enhanced breathability preferably includes two air-flow locations, i.e., at least two of the apertures 126, 128, 130. However, in some embodiments, the mechanism for enhanced breathability includes only one sole aperture, e.g., the first aperture 126. In some embodiments, the mechanism for enhanced breathability includes only two sole apertures, e.g., the first aperture 126 and the second aperture 128. In some embodiments, the mechanism for enhanced breathability includes three sole apertures, e.g., the first aperture 126, the second aperture 128, and the third aperture 130. In some embodiments, the mechanism for enhanced breathability includes one or more of the support beams 146 that extend across one or more of the apertures 126, 128, 130. In some embodiments, the mechanism for enhanced breathability includes the mesh 150, arranged to cover one or more of the apertures 126, 128, 130. The mesh 150 allows air to flow from an underside of the sole structure 44 into the foot cavity 46 of the upper 42.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12, the beams 146 may be integrally formed with the plate 110, or may be separate components. With respect to the third aperture 130, as shown in FIG. 10 in particular, three of the peripheral support members 144 form an outer triangle, and two of the beams 146 intersect one of the peripheral support members 144 to form additional triangular apertures within the larger triangular profile defined by the peripheral support members 144.

The mesh 150 is supported by, and disposed over the beams, and allows air to flow into the foot cavity 46 of the upper 42. The peripheral support members 144, the beams 146, and the plate are unitary and comprise TPU, or another type of rigid material. In some embodiments, instead of the mesh 150, an additional plate layer (not shown) may be provided, which could comprise a mesh pattern structure, and the additional plate layer may provide an enhanced or a different athletic benefit relative to other structures described herein, e.g., trampoline effect, stiffening, or pronation support. In some embodiments, the sole plate 110 may comprise two or more materials that may have varying properties. For example, in some embodiments, the sole plate 110 may comprise a portion made of TPU and another portion comprising carbon or another material such as ESS, which is further discussed below.

Referring to FIG. 11, the third aperture 130 is shown from within the foot cavity 46, with the insole 94 having been partly removed for clarity. The strobel board 56 and stitching 58 are shown in FIG. 11, under which the mesh layer 150 is shown. The mesh layer 150 is shown disposed overlaying the support beams 146, below the strobel board 56. Accordingly, the mesh layer 150 provides an air permeable layer that allows air to enter into the foot cavity 46 through the sole apertures 120 and the strobel board 56. In some embodiments, the mesh layer 150 may be a component of the strobel board 56 or may be a separate component. Still further, additional mesh layers may be provided below or above the plate 110. While the insole 94 is inserted into the foot cavity 46 and covers the sole apertures 120 when the shoe 40 is worn by a user, air is still able to flow into the foot cavity 46.

Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the midsole 108 defines a v-shaped notch 160 within the midfoot region 52. When the plate 110 is coupled with the midsole 108, the v-shaped notch 160 and the plate 110 form a gap or channel 162 between the midsole 108 and the plate 110, which allows for increased flexibility of the midsole 108 when running, as discussed hereinafter below. To that end, and as noted above, the combination of the plate 110 and the midsole 108 can provide for a spring-like or trampoline effect, which may provide added benefits to runners that traverse certain types of running surfaces. The inclusion of the gap or channel 162 between the midsole 108 and the plate 110 can enhance the trampoline effect and allow a runner to harness and release more energy while running, which can aid in propelling the runner forward. To achieve the foregoing, a size of the gap 162 and one or more properties of the plate 110 may be selected based on the performing sport and the personal performance index (e.g. bodyweight, height, pressure map and sports e.g. forefoot runner, heelfoot striker, longdistance jogging, marathon athlete, high jumper, gym, weightlifting etc.). In some embodiments, the plate 110 is customizable by a user, and may be modifiable or interchangeable, depending on a desired stiffness or other characteristics of the plate 110.

The plate 110 also includes a plurality of ridges 164 that extend along a periphery 166 of the plate 110. The ridges 164 are shown as a series of triangular peaks and valleys but may be provided in any number of configurations, i.e., the ridges may be triangular, sinusoidal, rectangular, etc., and may aid in providing additional structure along portions of the upper 42. The ridges 164 may be provided to enhance structural integrity of the sole structure 44, or for enhanced visual contrast/effects. The heel cup 60 is also visible in FIGS. 12-14, the heel cup 60 being discussed in greater detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an exploded view of the sole structure 44 of the article of footwear 40 is shown. In the present embodiment, the sole structure 44 comprises the outsole 106, the midsole 108, the heel cup 60, and the sole plate 110. However, in alternative embodiments, the outsole 106, the midsole 108, the heel cup 60, and the sole plate 110 need not comprise separate components, and certain portions may be integral with other components. Referring now to the outsole 106, a plurality of outsole apertures 170 are visible in FIG. 12, which may be provided to allow for certain portions of the midsole 108 to extend through the outsole apertures 170 or to be otherwise exposed at the bottom side 122 of the sole structure 44. At least one of the outsole apertures 170 is aligned with, and forms part of, the sole apertures 120 discussed above. The outsole 106 further comprises an irregular concave hexagonal aperture 172 that extends from the midfoot region 52 to the heel region 54, and a slot 173 that extends from the irregular concave hexagonal aperture 172 to the heel end 62 of the outsole 106.

The midsole 108 is disposed above and exploded from the outsole 106 in FIG. 12. The first aperture 126, the second aperture 128, and the third aperture 130 are visible, along with the v-shaped notch 160. A heel plate slot 174 is also visible along a heel end 62 of the midsole 108. A curvilinear groove 176 creating a depression 178 within the midsole 108 is formed to receive the plate 110. An outer profile of the curvilinear groove 176 corresponds to a profile of an outer side 179 of the plate 110. The curvilinear groove 176 may take varying forms, and may be modified to allow for a snug fit of the plate 110, recessed within the depression 178 of the midsole 108.

A reinforcing member 180 is further illustrated within the midsole 108, the reinforcing member 180 forming an hourglass shape. The reinforcing member 180 comprises ESS, which is a high durometer EVA, and is co-molded into the midsole 108. The reinforcing member 180 is provided to reduce stress or increase the strength of portions of the midsole 108 that are adjacent the v-shaped notch 160. The reinforcing member 180 may be separately attached via an adhesive to the midsole 108, or may be molded to or within the midsole 108.

Still referring to FIG. 12, the midsole 108 comprises EVA Foam (e.g., PUMA Profoam Lite™). In some embodiments, polyurethane may be used within the midsole 108. In some embodiments, the midsole 108 or portions of the midsole 108 may comprise beads or pellets comprising particle foams such as eTPU or eTPE-E. Further, a dual- or multi-density midsole 108 may be used in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the midsole 108 comprises a gel. Further, in some embodiments, the midsole 108 comprises rubber. Still further, in some embodiments, the midsole comprises a supercritical foam.

In embodiments where the midsole 108 or a portion of the midsole 108 comprises supercritical foam, the supercritical foam may comprise micropore foams or particle foams such as a TPU and EVA mixture or pure PEBAX. The supercritical foam can be manufactured using a process that is performed within an autoclave, an injection molding apparatus, or any sufficiently heated/pressurized container and involves saturating a molten material. The material may include thermoplastic polyurethane, polyolefin elastomers, ethylene-vinyl acetate, or mixtures thereof, with a supercritical fluid that may include supercritical carbon dioxide, supercritical nitrogen, or mixtures thereof. During the process, the solution of supercritical fluid and molten material is pumped into a pressurized container, after which the pressure within the container is released, such that the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to gas. This rapid conversion forms small pockets within the molten material and causes the material to expand into a foam, which may be used for the midsole 108. Regardless of the type of material(s) used for the midsole 108, the v-shaped notch 160 is generally formed during the molding process of the midsole 108. In some embodiments, the sole plate 110 comprises TPU while the outsole 106 comprises rubber.

The heel cup 60 is also made of TPU and is glued or stitched to the upper 42 or the midsole 108. The heel cup 60 is disposed at the heel end 62 of the sole structure 44, and is sized and shaped to fit around a heel of a user, externally to the upper 42. The heel cup 60 includes a lateral leg 184 and a medial leg 186 that extend upward and inward to intersect with a heel bar 188 that extends from the lateral leg 184 to the medial leg 186 around the heel end 62. A curvilinear heel arm 190 extends upward from intersections with the lateral leg 184 and the medial leg 186. The heel arm 190 is symmetric and defines an apex 192 at an upper end thereof. The heel arm 190 includes a lateral inflection point 194 and a medial inflection point 196. The heel arm 190 and the heel bar 188 form an aperture 198 therebetween. The heel cup 60 is generally formed to conform to a profile of the heel end of the upper 42 when the shoe 40 is fully assembled. The heel cup 60 further provides added support to a heel of a user when the shoe 40 is being worn. In some embodiments, the heel cup 60 does not include the heel bar 188. In such an embodiment, the heel cup 60 defines an open end with no aperture formed between components.

The heel cup 60 provides additional stability and rigidity for a user when the article of footwear 40 is being worn. The lateral leg 184 and the medial leg 186 in combination with the heel arm 190 allow the heel cup 60 to flex or give as needed when a user is running or engaging in other activities, but otherwise provide more rigid support to the heel of a user. Further, the aperture 198 of the heel cup 60 may become slightly closed or deformed when the arm 190 of the heel cup 60 is deformed downward, which could result when pressure is applied to the apex 192 of the arm 190. The heel bar 188 may also provide additional rigidity to the heel cup 60, which may aid in preventing against undesired flexibility in the heel region 54 when the article of footwear 40 is being worn.

Still referring to FIG. 12, the sole plate 110 sole plate 110 includes a plurality of plate apertures 200. The plate aperture 200 align with and form part of the sole apertures 120 that extend through the midsole 108, with the plurality of beams 146 disposed over the sole apertures 120, as also discussed above. The sole plate 110 is generally formed to conform with the midsole 108, and provides rigidity within the midfoot region 52 of the sole structure 44 where the v-shaped notch 160 of the midsole 108 is disposed. The plate 110 is shown as a unitary structure that includes the plurality of beams 146, although other configurations are possible.

In the illustrated example, the plate apertures 200 are aligned in a generally vertical direction with the openings of the sole apertures 120 at the outsole 106. Accordingly, flow through at least part of the sole apertures 120 may be generally vertical. In other embodiments, however, other configurations are possible, including configurations in which plate apertures are not vertically aligned with the outsole openings of associated sole apertures.

Now referring to FIGS. 13-16, views of the sole structure 44 without the upper 42 are shown in greater detail. The embodiment of FIGS. 13-16 includes an alternative heel cup 60 that does not include the heel cup bar 188 that connects the lateral leg 184 with the medial leg 186 (see, e.g., FIG. 12). Otherwise, the heel cup 60 of FIGS. 13-16 is identical in all material respects to the heel cup 60 of FIG. 12. Referring specifically to FIGS. 13 and 14, the medial side 78 and the lateral side 76 of the sole structure 44 are shown, respectively. The gap 162 between the midsole 108 and the plate 110 is shown, along with the specific components that comprise the sole structure 44. The gap 162 is generally located within the midfoot region 52 in alignment with an arch of a wearer's foot and the v-shaped notch 160 of the midsole 108. However, the gap 162 may extend into one or both of the forefoot region 50 and the heel region 54. The outsole 106 is shown adhesively coupled with the midsole 108, and the heel cup 60 is shown adhesively coupled with the midsole 108. Portions of the plate 110 are also adhesively coupled with the midsole 108.

With the gap 162 disposed as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the gap 162 is partly bounded on opposing, e.g., upper and lower, sides by the plate 110 and the reinforcing member 180. Thus, as supported by the plate 110 and the reinforcing member 180, the sole structure 44 can be relatively strong overall, including at the gap 162, while also providing improved flexibility and feel due to the improved flexibility provided at the gap 162.

In some cases, one or more apertures can be aligned with a gap between a plate and a midsole, which may provide improved ventilation of a wearer's foot via the one or more apertures. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, a set of the plate apertures 200 are located above the gap 162, such that some of the air flow through the associated sole apertures 120 may pass through the gap 162. In other embodiments, a different number of sole apertures (including no sole apertures) may be aligned with a gap between a plate and a midsole.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a top view of the sole structure 44 is shown. From the top view, the plurality of sole apertures 120 are visible, along with the plurality of support beams 146 that extend across the second sole aperture 128 and the third sole aperture 130. An outline of the reinforcing member 180 is also visible in FIG. 15. The second sole aperture 128 and the third sole aperture 130 extend through the sole structure 44 within the outer profile of the reinforcing member 180, which is shown in phantom lines for context. The second sole aperture 128 and the third sole aperture 130 are generally in the shape of isosceles triangles. The plate apertures 120 formed between the support beams 146 of the second aperture 128 and the third aperture 130 define triangles of varying sizes, which may be adjusted or sized differently depending on the orientation and location of the sole apertures 120.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a bottom view of the sole is shown, along with cross-section locations of the view of FIGS. 17-22. Various triangular design elements 202 along the bottom of the outsole 106 are visible in the bottom view, along with the channel 162, the concave hexagonal aperture 172, and the aperture walls 132, 138, 140 of the midsole 108. The irregular concave hexagonal aperture 172 within the outsole 106 is generally aligned with the reinforcing member 180, and is sized and shaped to allow air to flow upward, through the sole apertures 120, and into the foot cavity 46 of the shoe 40. The aperture 172 may comprise a variety of different shapes, and need not be irregular concave hexagonal in shape.

Now referring to FIG. 17, a cross-sectional view of the sole structure taken through line 17-17 of FIG. 16 is shown. The outsole 106 is shown along a lowermost portion of the sole structure 44, while various portions of the midsole 108 are shown as separated from one another by the sole apertures 120. The portions of the midsole 108 are shown separated by the sole apertures 120 since the cross-section is taken directly through the first aperture 126, the second aperture 128, and the third aperture 130. The plate 110 is disposed above the midsole 108, and includes portions that extend downward, into gaps of the sole apertures 120 within the midsole 108. The peripheral support members 144 and the support beams 146 are shown having increased thickness compared to other portions of the plate 110. Still further, the reinforcing member 180 is shown within the midsole 108 along the v-shaped notch 160 of the midsole 108, as well as on opposing sides of the midfoot and heel sole apertures 128, 130 from the v-shaped notch 160.

The plate 110 is further shown having varying thickness across the forefoot region 50 and the midfoot region 52, with the plate 110 being thicker along the midfoot region 52 (adjacent the v-shaped notch 160 of the midsole 108), and thinner along the forefoot region 50, which may provide improved support and responsiveness. The front distal end 92 of the plate 110 is spaced inwardly from a toe end 92 of the midfoot region 52. A portion of the heel cup 60 is also shown in cross-section. The plate 110 is sized and shaped to allow for bending into the v-shaped notch 160 of the midsole 108. In some embodiments, various portions of the plate 110 may have the thickness thereof modified to adjust the bending characteristics of the plate 110. In some embodiments, the plate 110 may be customized or modified depending on an intended use of the shoe 40. For example, portions of the plate 110 may be thicker or thinner depending on the type of activity that a wearer of the shoe 40 will undertake.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a cross-sectional view of the sole structure 44 is shown taken through line 18-18 of FIG. 16, i.e., across a portion of the forefoot region 50 of the sole structure 44, with the upper 42 shown in phantom lines. The outsole 106, the midsole 108, and the plate 110 are shown in cross-section, with the first aperture 126 through the midsole 108 being clearly visible. The plate 110 includes the peripheral support members 144 that depend downward into the first aperture 126 of the midsole 108. The peripheral support members 144 may be provided for stability or to act as an alignment feature when the plate 110 is being adhesively coupled to the midsole 108. The first aperture 126, which is defined through portions of the plate 110, the midsole 108, and the outsole 106, allows air to enter through first aperture 126 into the foot cavity 46 of the sole 44. More specifically, when running, airflow may be increased through the first aperture 126 into the foot cavity 46 due to increased airflow associated with running and the pressurization of air within the first aperture 126 by impacts of the shoe 40 on the ground.

Referring to FIG. 19, a cross-sectional view of the sole structure 44 is shown taken through line 19-19 of FIG. 16, i.e., across a portion of the midfoot region 52 of the sole structure 44. The outsole 106 is shown with a portion of the concave hexagonal aperture 172 separating portions of the outsole 106. The midsole 108 is also shown, with a portion of the reinforcing member 180 disposed within a reinforcing cavity 46 of the midsole 108. The plate 110 is further shown adhesively attached to the upper 42, which is shown in phantom lines. The plate 110 is shown curving upward, to follow the outer profile of a bottom portion of the upper 42. Portions of the plate 110 extend outward beyond the midsole 108, while the reinforcing member 180 is disposed entirely between the plate 110 and the midsole 108 at this cross-section of the shoe 40.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a cross-sectional view of the sole structure 44 is shown taken through line 20-20 of FIG. 16, i.e., across another portion of the midfoot region 52. The view of FIG. 20 is taken along the v-shaped notch 160 of the midsole 108, thus, the gap or channel 162 is shown between the plate 110 and the midsole 108. The plate 110 is shown having a varying thickness from an outer edge of the plate 110 to a central portion of the plate, i.e., the central portion of the plate 110 is thicker than an outer edge of the plate 110. The gap 162 is disposed between the reinforcing member 180 and the plate 110. Overall, the plate 110 is relatively thicker in this portion of the midfoot region 52 than in the portion of the midfoot region 52 shown in FIG. 19, which is, in part, due to the fact that the area of the shoe 40 adjacent the v-shaped notch 160 benefits from additional support.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a cross-sectional view of the sole structure 44 is shown taken through line 21-21 of FIG. 16. The cross-section of FIG. 21 is taken through the third aperture wall 140, and through portions of the plate 110 and the reinforcing member 180. The third aperture 130 is shown, with portions of the midsole 108 and outsole 106 being disposed on opposing sides of the third aperture 130. The peripheral support members 144 are also shown, which define the plate aperture 200 that is visible in FIG. 21. A portion of the reinforcing member 180 is also visible in FIG. 21.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a cross-section view of the sole structure 44 is shown taken through line 22-22 of FIG. 16. In FIG. 22, portions of the outsole 106, the midsole 108, and the heel cup 60 are shown. The plate 110 is not shown in FIG. 22, as the plate 110 does not extend to this portion of the sole structure 44. However, portions of the heel cup 60 are shown, which are disposed along the medial side 78 and the lateral side 76 of the shoe 40.

Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with different embodiments. Similarly, materials or construction techniques other than those disclosed above may be substituted or added in some embodiments according to known approaches. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to articles of footwear of the type specifically shown. Still further, aspects of the articles of footwear of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to work with any type of footwear, apparel, or other athletic equipment.

As noted previously, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the disclosure has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. 

We claim:
 1. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper defining a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the article of footwear; and a sole structure coupled with the upper, the sole structure comprising: a midsole; an outsole coupled with a bottom surface of the midsole; and a plate that is disposed between the midsole and the upper, wherein the plate is coupled with the midsole in the forefoot region and the heel region, and a gap is formed between the plate and the midsole in the midfoot region, and wherein at least one sole aperture is disposed within the sole structure.
 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the sole aperture extends through the midsole, the outsole, and the plate.
 3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the at least one sole aperture comprises a first sole aperture, a second sole aperture, and a third sole aperture.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the first sole aperture is disposed within a forefoot region, the second sole aperture is disposed within a midfoot region, and the third sole aperture is disposed within a heel region.
 5. The article of footwear of claim 1 further comprising a mesh disposed over the sole aperture.
 6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the plate is relatively thicker within a midfoot region thereof than within a forefoot region thereof.
 7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein at least one plate aperture within the plate further defines the at least one sole aperture.
 8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the midsole defines a v-shaped notch that is laterally aligned with the gap.
 9. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper; and a sole structure coupled with the upper, the sole structure comprising: a midsole, an outsole coupled with a bottom surface of the midsole, and a plate that is disposed between the midsole and the upper, wherein the plate defines a first plate aperture and a second plate aperture.
 10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the first plate aperture aligns with a first sole aperture, and the second plate aperture aligns with a second sole aperture.
 11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the first sole aperture and the second sole aperture define channels that allow air to flow from an underside of the article of footwear to a foot cavity within the upper.
 12. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein a gap is formed between the plate and the midsole.
 13. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the gap is aligned with a v-shaped notch within the midsole.
 14. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the first plate aperture is one of a first plurality of apertures, which are separated by a plurality of first support bars.
 15. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the plate comprises TPU.
 16. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper defining a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the article of footwear; and a sole structure coupled with the upper, the sole structure comprising: a midsole; an outsole coupled with a surface of the midsole; and a plate that is disposed between the midsole and the upper, wherein the plate is coupled with the midsole and a gap is formed between the plate and the midsole, and wherein a first sole aperture and a second sole aperture define air channels through the midsole, the outsole, and the plate.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the plate is thicker within the midfoot region than within the forefoot region.
 18. The article of footwear of claim 16, further comprising a heel cup disposed at a heel end of the article of footwear.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the heel cup defines lateral and medial legs that are connected with a heel cup arm.
 20. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the midsole includes a reinforcing member opposite the gap from the plate. 